My broadband bill has gone up. What can I do?

First, check what you actually agreed to

The key questions are: when the contract started, whether the increase was clearly stated when you signed up, whether the provider is charging more than the agreed increase, and whether the minimum term has ended. Check the contract summary, order confirmation and price-rise email.

If your contract started on or after 17 January 2025

Ofcom rules ban inflation-linked or percentage-based price rise terms in new broadband, phone and pay-TV contracts from 17 January 2025. If a provider includes an in-contract rise, it should have been shown clearly in pounds and pence before signup, together with when it would happen. If the agreed rise was made clear at signup, the customer does not automatically get a penalty-free exit just because that agreed rise later takes effect.

If your contract started before 17 January 2025

Older contracts may still contain inflation-linked or percentage-based annual increases. Check the terms you originally agreed to rather than assuming the newer rule rewrote an older contract.

When you may be able to leave without an exit fee

If the contract did not set out how much the price could rise, or the provider increases the price beyond what was agreed, Ofcom says the provider must give at least 30 days' notice and a 30-day window to leave without exit fees. If a specific rise was clearly agreed upfront, you normally will not have that automatic penalty-free right when that rise occurs.

If your minimum term has ended

This is often the simplest time to compare alternatives because there is usually no early termination fee for leaving after the minimum term. Check the provider's final-switch information and any equipment-return requirements, and do not assume every account has no other outstanding charges.

Before you switch, compare the whole deal

Cheapest is not always best. Look at the monthly price and total cost over the contract, any future pounds-and-pence price rises, contract length, expected or guaranteed speeds where provided, setup or activation fees, router or equipment requirements, early termination terms, and customer service or complaint record if that matters to you.

Switching broadband is easier than it used to be

Under Ofcom's One Touch Switch process, for most home broadband and landline switches you contact the new provider and the new provider arranges the switch. The old provider should send information about implications such as early termination charges or equipment return. This applies to most consumers, but not every edge case.

What I'd do next

• Find the price-rise email and contract summary.
• Write down the old monthly price, new monthly price and minimum-term end date.
• Check whether the rise matches what was agreed.
• If it goes beyond the agreement, contact the provider and ask about penalty-free exit rights.
• If you are free to leave or simply want to compare, look at alternatives before accepting a renewal.
• Keep written records of any complaint or cancellation.

Official sources

• Ofcom — Telecoms price rises: what are your rights?
• Ofcom — Protecting consumers from uncertain and volatile inflation
• Ofcom — Switching broadband provider
• Citizens Advice — Cancelling a phone, TV, internet or mobile contract

Last reviewed: September 2026

Related guides

• How to cancel a phone, broadband or TV contract in the UK
• Charged after cancelling a subscription? What to do in the UK